Lee Hansen starred as an ace hurler for the NIU baseball team from 1969-72 and sits second on the all-time pitching wins list for the Huskies (18). He finished his NIU career with a 2.46 ERA, fifth-best in school history, ranks second with 15 career complete games and tenth in career games started with 31.
As a freshman, Hansen started pitched in 10 games, making five starts, and had a 3.29 ERA with a 2-2 record. He struckout 27 batters while allowing just 10 walks. Following that season during summer ball, Hansen was named to the All-Illinois Summer Collegiate League team and threw a no-hitter in his first game.
In 1970 as a sophomore, Hansen posted a 5-3 mark with a 1.59 ERA, the fifth-best single-season ERA in school history. Hansen struck out a team-high 48 batters in 62.1 innings and also recorded a stretch of 30 consecutive scoreless innings. During the summer, Hansen again earned All-Illinois Summer Collegiate League honors while posting a 9-1 record.
As a junior, Hansen posted a 2-2 record while dealing with injuries. He pitched 42.1 innings and recorded 29 strikeouts.
Hansen bounced back to have an outstanding senior campaign in 1972. He earned All-Midwest Conference First Team honors and All-NCAA Regional Tournament team accolades while posting an 8-1 record with a 1.96 ERA. Hansen's ERA and eight victories were both league-highs and his eight wins are also tied for the fourth-most in a single-season by a Huskie hurler. Hansen pitched 69.0 innings during his senior season and recorded 55 strikeouts.
